German Major, B.A.

The Department of Global Languages and Cultures offers a major in German that, in addition to providing understanding of the German language and culture, gives a new perspective on the English language and American culture. The major also prepares students for graduate studies or for careers in teaching, government, business, industry and international organizations.

German majors must spend a semester or a year in a German-speaking country or live for two years in the German House, a small residence on campus where only German is spoken. The residence is under the leadership of a young German, Swiss or Austrian student.

Internships are available for qualified German majors in government agencies and international organizations and corporations. In the United States, potential internship sites include the German, Swiss and Austrian embassies, the Goethe Institute and German Historical Institute in Washington, D.C.

Placement Examinations

Online advanced placement in French, German or Spanish is available to incoming first-year students. Before registration, first-year students should arrange to take the department’s placement examination. Those who place in the 201 section of their intended language will receive 3 additional credits; those who place in 203, 204 or a civilization course of their intended language will receive 6 additional credits; and those who place in 207, 208, 240 or in a 300-level course will receive 9 additional credits. In all cases, students will receive the extra credits only if they enroll in one of these courses within the first semester at Hood and complete it with a grade of “C” or better. Students who have completed college-level language courses are ineligible to earn additional credits for these courses.

Requirements for the Major

German majors are required to take 30 credits in German at the 200 level or above, 15 credits of which must be 300 level or above. (Students who transfer to Hood in their junior year intending to major in German must be qualified to enroll in courses at the 200 level or above.)

Through an integration of the liberal arts and the professions, Hood College provides an education that empowers students to use their hearts, minds and hands to meet personal, professional and global challenges and to lead purposeful lives of responsibility, leadership, service and civic engagement.